I have had several conversations with young(er) people who can’t afford a home and are not optimistic about the future. They are struggling with hopelessness.
My tendency is to feed and confirm that skepticism. The messaging of doom and gloom is not unique.
I have been wrong for my part in those attempts at predictions. We are making bets on the future through our words, with no skin in the game.
It is a form of pride.
It is harmful when we as leaders make predictions of forbodings without remedies of hope. The predictions might be right. I don’t know. What I do know is that it is not kindness to tell someone something they already feel and add to their hopelessness.
We should help them. The help might be as simple as reminding them that they are not alone. It might be helping them practically navigate a chaotic world to find that bright day. Hope comes with the discovery of their plan. Their unique plan for a bright future, a hopeful future. The kindness comes in assuring them that they are not alone.
That is kindness. That is the golden rule.
A DEVOTED LIFE 